Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Virginia Beach

"Distance/Time: During the colder months, False Cape State Park can only be accessed by hiking, biking, or taking small boats along 3.5 miles of beach from the Back Bay Visitor’s Center. (That or hopping aboard the park’s Terra-Gator beach transporter, a massive rover that looks like it could navigate the surface of the moon. Operated on weekends only in the off-season, rides are $8 per person and require reservations and a minimum of 10 passengers.) While its interior trails close for winter, there are nearly 6 miles of hikeable beachfront within the park’s 4,321 acres. Make sure to give yourself at least a few hours due to the remote location and intermediate-level, sandy trails.Admission: Free, November-March (enter through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge)What to expect: There is a certain charm to the lore surrounding False Cape."

"In Virginia Beach, you’ll also find Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park. Both have miles of pristine beaches, barrier islands, dunes, freshwater marshes, maritime forests, and ponds. On False Cape, hop on a bike tour with Surf & Adventure Co. — there’s no better way to get acquainted with the more remote areas of these sands."

"Tucked between the Atlantic Ocean near Sandbridge Beach and the Back Bay, False Cape State Park is one of the few remaining undeveloped areas on the Atlantic Coast. False Cape State Park has a total of 15.3 miles of trails for hiking. Each trail varies in length and difficulty."

"Distance/Time: The massive, 9,200-acre Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge closes its longer East and West Dike Trails for wildlife protection from November through March, but the shorter Kuralt, Bay, Seaside, and Dune trails remain open in winter for half-mile to one-mile round-trip hikes from the parking area. If you don’t mind getting a little sandy, there’s also access to 3 miles of beachfront hiking down to the neighboring False Cape State Park.Admission: Free, November-MarchWhat to expect: Established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as a protective habitat in 1938, Back Bay is a secluded destination for encountering nature, away from distractions of modern technology. (Well, besides maybe your phone -- you’re gonna want a way to capture all the interesting animals you’ll spot.) Its oceanfront beaches, woodland forests, and fertile marshes serve as a migratory location for thousands of varieties of Atlantic waterfowl during the winter, and beached seals have also been known to make appearances."

"In Virginia Beach, you’ll also find Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park. Both have miles of pristine beaches, barrier islands, dunes, freshwater marshes, maritime forests, and ponds. On False Cape, hop on a bike tour with Surf & Adventure Co. — there’s no better way to get acquainted with the more remote areas of these sands."

"Nature & Wildlife Areas4005 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456MoreLess Info. The completely natural environment at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers many outdoor activities along Virginia Beach. Visitors are able to fish, bike, and hike within designated segments of the area."

"The beautiful Norfolk Botanical Garden has over 60 themed gardens on the property and there is always something to explore. Most blooms can be spotted during the spring and summer months, but make sure to check out their year-round gardens too. The Sensory Garden is year-round and filled with plants that will please all of your senses."

"The Norfolk Botanical Garden, which is Virginia’s largest botanical garden, is a must-see when traveling to Norfolk. It is open every day from 9 AM-7 PM and a great place for both tours and as an event venue. The gardens feature 175 acres, 7 miles of paved paths, and 7 miles of unpathed paths that visitors can explore."

"The King Neptune Statue is situated at the entrance area of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and is something that is worth the title of one of the city’s tourist attractions in its own right. Standing at 34 feet in height and fashioned from aesthetically pleasing bronze, it rises out of the Atlantic and stares down over Neptune Park. The money used to construct the King Neptune Statue was raised at the Neptune Festival, an annual event that has been held since 1973 as one of America’s greatest festivals."

"You don't need a lot of time to check out the King Neptune Statue along the boardwalk, but it is still worth adding to your checklist. This bronze statue is 34 feet high and seems to rise right out of the Atlantic Ocean from the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and 31st Street, where it overlooks Neptune Park. This statue honors the Neptune Festival held in September and volunteers from this festival raised the money to hire Paul DiPasquale to design and create this famous statue."

"Distance/Time: Stumpy Lake Natural Area has 1.65 miles of soft-trail, shared-use paths situated within its 1,422 acres of property. The two loops can be conquered in one hour or less, depending on whether you’re walking or cycling.Admission: FreeWhat to expect: Based at the head of Gum Swamp, Stumpy Lake is an isolated getaway located in southern Virginia Beach. The wetland forest is spotted with stumps of tree trunks and cypress trees, and a morning mist makes this quiet and shaded hike all the more mysterious."

"Situated right at the Virginia Beach city limit, the Stumpy Lake Natural Area’s centerpiece is a 178-acre lake with an overlook. Explore the 1.65-mile soft mixed-use trial that goes through the dense forest."

"Termed as one of the best places to visit in Virginia, the Lake Lawson and Lake Smith Natural Area is one of the most stunning natural destinations in Virginia Beach. It rests in the Bayside Borough, covering 42 acres and 12,000 feet of shoreline. There is a range of diverse habitats scattered about the expanse, and it’s a great place for many different activities."

"This park in the Virginia Beach area features a beautiful 42 acres of nature. You'll enjoy it whether you have your hiking shoes on, or if you're trying to put your feet to your bike pedals. You can complete the trail in about a half-hour, and there are plenty of areas where you can take a dip or catch some fish."

"Locally-owned and family-run, Grace O’Malley’s brings a true Irish pub experience to the heart of Norfolk, VA. Their entire menu was cultivated from the kitchens of Irish and American friends and family, so you know you can expect the real deal. Not to mention, they’re an official Guinness Approved Irish Pub. Stop in for a pint paired with Dublin poutine, a corned beef sandwich, or challenge yourself to the massive Irish breakfast stack, complete with a poached egg, Irish sausage, Irish bacon, and tomato – all served atop an Irish potato pancake and drizzled with hollandaise."

"Take a trip to the Emerald Isle without ever leaving Downtown Norfolk at Grace O'Malley's Irish Pub & Restaurant, which has a fantastic late night menu (including the delicioue curried chips) served after 10pm. Grace O'Malley's Irish Pub & Restaurant open Sunday-Monday until Midnight; Tuesday-Saturday until 2am. Late Night Menu served from 10pm."

"Great Thai Food on the beach offering casual dine in or take out with local delivery service on the ground floor of the Country Inn and Suites on the oceanfront at 18th Street."

"Located in Linkhorn Shoppes, Eurasia Café is a friendly neighborhood restaurant that specializes in regional fare prepared with locally sourced ingredients and globally-inspired wine list. Situated near the oceanfront in the heart of Virginia Beach, the quaint restaurant features an ever-changing, seasonal menu with signature dishes such as deep ruby red tuna, shrimp and grits, beef carpaccio, and delicious raw oysters. The café also serves a variety of drinks including an excellent selection of microbrews, handcrafted cocktails, and easy-drinking wines from around the world, as well as specialty coffees and dessert liqueurs."

"Located basically in the shadow of King Neptune himself at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Catch 31 is a prime location for outdoor eating. With views of Neptune Park, in addition to the unbeatable view of the Atlantic Ocean, we like coming here when there’s a concert in the park. Sit at the open-air fire pit and enjoy a farm-to-table menu highlighting the best of Coastal Virginia cuisine."

"Catch 31 is at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 3001 Atlantic Avenue. (Patrick Evans-Hylton). The location: Catch 31 Fish House & Bar"

"Menu additions: (Pictured) Nicoise with smoked whitefish, olive, broccolini, potato, sauce gribiche (Vegetarian/gluten-free) Buckwheat Gnocchi with carrots, dill, caraway, garlic yogurt. Chicken sandwich with kimchi slaw, schmaltz, and pickles. Menu additions: Pressed Lamb with rice grits, lamb jus, cippolini, oyster mushroom, and soft herbs Pork Shoulder (pictured) with BBQ'd root vegetables, sour corn, and charred cabbage purée"

"Very accommodating staff for my last minute reservation of 2. We sat outside and it was lovely. Best restaurant in Norf..."

"The Ferry Plantation House is an old brick house that sits on Old Donation Farm and it’s a must-see in Virginia Beach. It is a brick house that dates back to 1642, named after the Hampton Roads’ second ferry service, which brought passengers to a county courthouse down to Lynnhaven River – or simply to visit other plantations on the water. There are a total of 11 stops along the way, and a cannon was used as a signal for the ferry."

"The Ferry House carries the history of the Lynnhaven area in Virginia Beach. The current building that stands today was built in 1830 after the previous one burned down. By the time that one had burned down, the site had seen three courthouses overlooking the ferry service that made use of the nearby waterway."

"The Moses Myers House features a collection that presents an exceptionally accurate picture of the late Federal period and the life of this prosperous Jewish family. Moses Myers, an early American entrepreneur, and leading citizen, built the house to accommodate his growing family and social prominence. Today, the house serves as a museum telling the story of the Myers family."

"The Moses Myers House was the property of Moses Myers, who was a Jewish-American entrepreneur. It then became the home of five generations of the Moses family, all of whom became prominent members of the Norfolk community, as well as the first Jewish-Americans in Norfolk. They were the only Jewish people in the region for more than a decade."

"See our list of top 10 hotels in Norfolk, VA and find the lowest rates. Our booking guide lists not the good hotels but just the great hotels in Norfolk, VA. Sign up for email-only coupons, special offers and promotions — exclusively from Priceline."

"• 2012 Inside Business Award of Merit from HRACRE for Civic Service • 2012 City of Virginia Beach Planning Commission Design Honor Award in Public Facilities"